Private Detectives and Investigators salary in New Mexico
Private Detectives and Investigators in New Mexico earn a median of $41,600 a year ($20.00 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $35,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,350 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $51,220. New Mexico ranks 46th of 49 states for private detectives and investigators pay. The average (mean) salary is $49,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,660 | $17.14 |
| 25th percentile | $36,900 | $17.74 |
| Median | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| 75th percentile | $64,280 | $30.90 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Average (mean) | $49,550 | $23.82 |
Half of private detectives and investigators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,466.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,733.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,600 |
| Weekly | $800 |
| Hourly | $20.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $41,600 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in cities in New Mexico
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $41,680 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $76,480 |
| Connecticut | $75,010 |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 |
| Vermont | $67,910 |
| New Hampshire | $65,370 |
| Washington | $64,080 |
| California | $61,250 |
| Arizona | $61,030 |
| Illinois | $60,210 |
| New York | $59,140 |
See Private Detectives and Investigators pay in every state.
Related jobs in New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,590 | $13.75 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $64,940 | $31.22 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $31,460 | $15.13 |
| School Bus Monitor | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| Animal Control Worker | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $63,810 | $30.68 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $36,930 | $17.75 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $69,180 | $33.26 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Firefighter | $41,590 | $19.99 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $86,840 | $41.75 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $92,200 | $44.33 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $58,430 | $28.09 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in New Mexico
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-9021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private detectives and investigators make in New Mexico?
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in New Mexico is $41,600 a year, or $20.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,350 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid private detectives and investigators make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of private detectives and investigators in New Mexico earn at least $66,350 a year. The top 25% earn $64,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for private detectives and investigators in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,660 a year, and a quarter of private detectives and investigators earn $36,900 or less.